Jim Harbaugh Compares Jonathan Martin to Dorsey

The 49ers coach said he hoped his new offensive tackle can follow his nose tackle's lead when it comes to taking advantage of a change in scenery.

Jim Harbaugh doesn’t like making comparisons.

The 49ers coach points out that juxtaposing players, for example, inevitably slights one of them.

Harbaugh made an exception on Monday morning when answering a question about new San Francisco offensive lineman Jonathan Martin and his career arc.

"Glenn Dorsey would be a great example," Harbaugh told NFL Network in Orlando, where he and members of the team’s front office are at the league’s owners’ meetings. "Glenn was the No. (5) pick in the draft. Maybe not living up to people’s expectations (with the Kansas City Chiefs), comes to the San Francisco 49ers and has a tremendous year with us. It's just a powerful opportunity, a powerful motivator…

"Lift the page of the Etch-A-Sketch and write a whole new history for yourself… I hope that it works out for Jonathan Martin the way it works for Glenn Dorsey.”

Dorsey, who spent his first five pro seasons in the AFC, came West last offseason. He experienced a rebirth in 2013, shifting to the nose tackle position.

The 49ers acquired Martin, who is capable of playing multiple positions along the offensive line, from the Miami Dolphins for an undisclosed draft pick on March 11.